Merlin C. Palmer, age 87, passed away peacefully November 14, 1999 in Salt Lake City.
Born December 4, 1911 in Preston Idaho to John Palmer and Eliza Jane Wainwright. He graduated from Utah State University in 1934 in Accounting. He played in dance orchestras for 50 years, and played the saxophone and clarinet.Merlin served an LDS Mission in Brazil from 1935 to 1938. He was the first missionary to be called to the Brazilian Mission. He was a teacher in Granite School District for six years, teaching music, math, and English in Cyprus and Holladay Junior High schools. He worked in Real Estate for many years, 1948-1979.
Merlin married Elna Hart in the Logan Temple on September 15, 1939. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
He was a faithful LDS member all of his life. His testimony never wavered. He had a special love for the Prophet Joseph Smith. He served in many church callings. He and his wife, Elna, served together as Temple Ordinance Workers in the Salt Lake Temple for 15 years, from 1983-1997, including seven years as Assistant Superintendent. They also served a one year mission in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. They traveled many places in the world and had a wonderful marriage and life together.
Survived by his wife, Elna Hart of Salt Lake City; seven sons, Grant (Connie), Glade, Wain (Paula), Robert (Carol), David (Elizabeth), Philip, all of Salt Lake City; and Jeffrey (Debra) of North Logan, Utah; 33 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two daughters-in-law, Sherri B. Palmer and Connie Hanson Palmer; one sister, Lola P. Schiess, Pocatello, Idaho; and by many extended family members who love him. Preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Frank, Floyd, and Dave. Also by one daughter-in-law, Kathy D. Palmer.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 19, 1999 at 12 noon, at the Kenwood Second Ward, 3080 South 1765 East. Friends may call Thursday evening, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Funeral Directors: The Holbrook Mortuary.